Is that smart?

Sainz from the operating table to the GP within 24 hours

(Bild: twitter, krone.at-grafik)

Unbelievable, but true: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz makes it from the operating table back to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix within 24 hours. F1 expert Alex Wurz doesn't think it's wise.

Sainz was ruled out of the Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis. The 29-year-old Spaniard therefore had to undergo an operation on Friday afternoon, the Scuderia announced. Sainz was absent from final practice and qualifying, with replacement driver Oliver Bearman taking his place in the Ferrari - but less than 24 hours later he was back at the Grand Prix in Jeddah.

He walked slowly through the paddock, accompanied by numerous team members and camera crews - even though Sainz had reported back from the clinic via Insta-Story just five hours earlier. Unbelievable, but perhaps not the smartest idea. Alex Wurz: "Of course, he wants to show himself as the top dog here, but what happened to him so soon after the operation would set him back for a long time."

Last Saturday, Sainz finished third in the season opener in Bahrain. The native of Madrid is driving his last season for Ferrari. Next year, he will have to make way for record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia. Sainz does not yet have a new employer.

Ferrari did not provide any information about how long Sainz is likely to be out of action. The next race on the calendar is the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks' time.